Blooming in 2020 – Birthday Reflections

Today I start year 27! Happy Birthday to me! #Octoberbabiesarethebest
 
Another year has come and gone. And as crazy as 2019 was for me, 2020 has somehow been unlike any other year prior. About a year ago, I shared a piece on my blog entitled “Sacrificial Love,” all about the unmatched love I have for my daughter. In that year I accomplished four major life events; I graduated from dental school à moved across the country à gave birth to my daughter Thea à and started practicing as a dentist. In sum, these events made 2019 THE biggest year of my life to date. So as I transitioned into the year 2020, I looked forward to a slow and steady year of coming into my own as a mother, dentist, wife, and blogger.
 
Then COVID-19 happened.
 
As the virus spread, plans for the year quickly changed and evolved.
 
To put it simply, most of my plans were shot down. I had three trips planned for spring/summer that were quickly cancelled as the virus expanded its reach. A springtime family trip to Chicago for a conference, and to explore the city, was abruptly cancelled. My sister’s graduation was postponed. The big first birthday I had planned for my daughter quickly became a small get together. Most of us have similar stories. I’m the type of person who greatly looks forward to events and travelling months in advance, so it was disappointing to say the least when all of these plans fell through.
 
But still, God was sovereign and He provided strength and allowed me to grow personally. I still bloomed even in the era of COVID-19. I somehow found peace in the midst of a pandemic.

​As I reflect on this past year, I realize that so much has come out of this season of coronavirus. Through this pandemic, God has helped me learn how to roll with whatever comes my way and to be constantly thankful. With all that has happened in 2020, I feel even more grateful for every single day that I’m alive and healthy. And I know that in the coming years I will appreciate even more the opportunity to travel, visit friends, or even to live life without a mask. In this season, my days at home have been filled with more time reflecting and resting, my sense of gratitude for simple everyday blessings has grown, and as I mentioned earlier I’ve become far more flexible.
 
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
- Proverbs 16:9
 
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
- Romans 8:28
 
So as I celebrate my birthday today, I am at peace with how the year has gone. I haven’t traveled, seen many of my close friends and family, or celebrated milestones in the way I would’ve initially planned but I’ve still bloomed where I’m planted – I’ve thrived and grown in the midst of adversity. I’m grateful for every single day of this past year and look forward to what God has in store in the next year.
 
<3 Beryl

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